Officer-Involved Shooting in Newton NRF038-16ne

**The following information is based on a preliminary, ongoing investigation which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

Los Angeles: On June 26, 2016, around 7:00 p.m., uniformed officers assigned to Metropolitan Division were working crime suppression in Newton Division. Officers observed a group of males standing on the sidewalk drinking alcohol. Officers stopped and exited their vehicle to conduct a drinking in public investigation.

One of the members of the group (later identified as Michael Gomez) walked away from the officers, while appearing to hold his waistband. One of the officers followed Gomez, while giving him commands to stop. Gomez abruptly stopped and as he turned towards Police Officer III Saul Lopez, Serial No. 38697, he made a furtive movement, which resulted in an officer-involved-shooting.

Gomez was not struck by the gunfire, and no injuries were reported. Gomez was booked for a misdemeanor warrant, and an application for complaint form was completed requesting filing for drinking in public and resisting arrest.

No weapon was recovered.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division is conducting a thorough investigation of the officer-involved shooting which will be presented to the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners to determine whether the use of deadly force and tactics employed by the officers complied with LAPD’s policies and procedures. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office will also review the evidence collected during the investigation to determine whether any criminal laws were violated.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged to call the LAPD at any of the following numbers:

During business hours at (213) 486-5230; During non-business hours or on weekends at (877)-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247); Anonymously 24-hours a day to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or by texting “LAPD” and your tip to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S); or Online at www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.